Below the ridge down into the ravine through which the water falls can be seen the vertical dikes of basalt that cut through the horizontal Koloa lava flows.

The trail has been blocked by a steel fence since 2006 when two women fell off an unofficial but well-publicized rocky path to the pool.

At the time they fell from the path the state had already posted a sign at head of trail saying "Danger Keep Out — Hazardous Conditions".

However, unofficially there are paths to both places, so-called "secret trails", which circulate via guide books, websites and by word of mouth.

Route 580 is called Kuamoʻo Road at this point and it is 1.5 miles (2.4 km) to the ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls parking lot and overlook.

[6] On the opposite side of the road near the falls is the relatively well-preserved ancient temple of Poliʻahu Heiau, also thought to have once been a luakini.

Striking the bell with another stone results in a distinctive low frequency sound that can be heard for at least a mile down the valley.